Oracle Java 21 Licensing
- Free under Oracle NFTC license until September 2026.
- Permitted for commercial and production use.
- After September 2026, a paid subscription is required for continued updates/support.
- Redistribution is allowed only if free; otherwise, a separate license is required.
- Older Java versions (Java 8, 11, etc.) always require a subscription for updates/support.
Oracle Java 21 Licensing
Oracle Java 21, released in September 2023, is a Long-Term Support (LTS) version of Java. Organizations must understand its licensing terms to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal issues.
Licensing Overview for Oracle Java 21
Oracle Java 21 is available under the Oracle No-Fee Terms and Conditions (NFTC) License, which permits free use for all users, including commercial and production environments.
Key Points:
- Free Usage Period: Oracle plans to provide updates for Java 21 under the NFTC license until September 2026, one year after the release of the next LTS version (Java 25) in September 2025.
- Post-Free Period: After September 2026, subsequent updates for Java 21 will be licensed under the Oracle Technology Network (OTN) License Agreement for Java SE, which may require a paid subscription for certain uses.
When Does Oracle Java 21 Require a License?
While Oracle Java 21 is free to use under the NFTC license until September 2026, certain scenarios may necessitate a paid subscription:
1. Post-Free Period Usage:
- After the free usage period ends in September 2026, a paid subscription will be necessary if your organization continues to use Oracle Java 21 and requires ongoing security updates and support.
2. Usage of Older Java Versions:
- Suppose your organization uses older versions of Oracle Java (e.g., Java 8, Java 11) in production environments. In that case, these versions are not covered under the NFTC license and require a paid subscription for updates and support.
3. Redistribution for a Fee:
- The NFTC license permits the redistribution of Oracle Java 21 as long as it is not for a fee. If your organization plans to redistribute Oracle Java 21 and charge for it, a separate license agreement with Oracle is required.
Benefits of the NFTC License for Oracle Java 21
The NFTC license offers several advantages for organizations:
- Cost Savings: Free usage of Oracle Java 21 in production environments until September 2026 reduces licensing costs.
- Simplified Licensing: The NFTC license eliminates the need for complex licensing agreements during the free usage.
- Access to Updates: Organizations receive security updates and bug fixes during the free usage period without additional costs.
Considerations for Long-Term Usage
While the NFTC license provides free usage of Oracle Java 21 until September 2026, organizations should consider the following for long-term planning:
1. Upgrade Strategy:
- We plan to upgrade to the next LTS version (Java 25) before the free usage period ends to continue receiving free updates under the NFTC license.
2. Budgeting for Subscriptions:
- If upgrading is not feasible, budget for a paid subscription to continue receiving updates and support for Oracle Java 21 after September 2026.
3. Alternative Distributions:
- Consider alternative Java distributions, such as OpenJDK, which are free to use and may offer long-term support options.
Conclusion
Oracle Java 21 is available under the NFTC license, allowing free use in commercial and production environments until September 2026. After this period, organizations must either upgrade to a newer LTS version, purchase a subscription for continued updates and support, or consider alternative Java distributions. Understanding these licensing terms is essential for effective planning and compliance.
Read about Java JRE Licensing.
